Monday, June 14, 2010

Top 10 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

It’s good to know what breeds of dogs might be most dangerous, just to keep yourself safe. Sometimes the danger in a dog isn’t even a nasty personality, but a matter of them not knowing their own strength. Even though I personally still find it hard to believe that breed alone deems a dog “dangerous,” you never know what a dog’s owner has taught it. The research into the most dangerous dogs included below was performed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society of the United States. We’ll start with least dangerous of the bunch.

10. DalmatianOrigin: Balkans, India, Middle AgesWeight: 40-70 lbsHeight: 20-24 inchesDalmatians are active and energetic dogs, loving to be outdoors. They are very playful and love running.

There’s still no definite info about what this breed was originally bred for. This is the first dotted breed in Europe, Asia and Africa. They were serving as warriors, hunters, and shepherds before finally becoming the symbol of the English fireman.

9. BoxerOrigin: Germany, 1850-iesWeight: 50-70 lbsHeight: 20-25 inchesUnlike their name suggest, these dogs are not typically aggressive by nature. They are bright, energetic and playful breed. Boxers have been known to be "headstrong", which makes it a bit difficult to train them but with positive reinforcement techniques, Boxers often respond much better.

8. Presa CanarioOrigin: Canary Islands, AfricaWeight: 100-125 lbsHeight: 25-26 inchesThe Presa Canario hails from the Canary Islands, where the dogs were trained for hunting and for war. During the 18th century, English traders and merchants came to the Canary Islands, bringing with them their working and gladiator dogs, notably the Mastiff of England and the Bulldog. Englishmen also brought with them their traditions of pit fighting for which their breeds and the island dogs were inevitably mixed and eventually bred to produce the ultimate fighter. Nowadays the breed is used for guarding and the handling and driving of cattle.

The dogs of this breed can be gentle and noble with their families, showing great affection to their owners, and being suspicious of strangers. They are a guardian breed with man-stopping ability, incredible power and a complete lack of fear.

7. Chow ChowOrigin: China, antiquityWeight: 40-65 lbsHeight: 18-22 inchesThe chow chow is an independent dog often focused only on its own needs. Chow chows need constant physical activity and communication, even if they don’t seem to like being disturbed much.

Chow chows were bred for hunting and helping shepherds.

6. Doberman PinscherOrigin: Germany, XIX centuryWeight: 65-90 lbsHeight: 26-28 inchesDoberman pinschers (often just called dobermans) are dogs that were originally bred to protect and defend. It is important to avoid any type of aggressive play and struggle with these dogs, instead letting the games be guided to develop the doberman’s intelligence. Even though they aren’t small dogs, dobermans can adapt to life in a city and become a perfect companion for the experienced, physically active owner. The typical pet Doberman attacks only if it believes that it, its property, or its family are in danger.

5. Alaskan MalamuteOrigin: North America, ancient timesWeight: 80-110 lbsHeight: 23-28 inchesThe malamute is a friendly dog, but it has rather an independent temper. It’s better to keep this dog in a village, far from the city. Sometimes violent and energetic, they constantly need to move or play. If they are bored, they can become destructive. That's why this dog needs lots of exercise to be happy. It’s a working breed where the dogs are used to a cold climate, so if you don’t live in the deep north, make your malamute a nice playground as they are always in need of physical activity.

4. HuskyOrigin: Siberia, ancient timesWeight: 35-55 lbsHeight: 20-24 inchesThe training of a husky is a complicated thing, and this dog is not recommended for beginning dog owners. Initially these dogs were used to transport goods on a sleigh. Not afraid of cold weather, they’re very active and loving dogs. The love to get together with other members of their breed and howl at the moon.

A 2000 study of dog bites resulting in human fatalities in the U.S. found fifteen such fatalities (6% of the total) were caused by "husky-type" dogs between 1979 and 1997.

3. German ShepherdOrigin: Germany, XIX centuryWeight: 70-85 lbsHeight: 22-26 inchesGerman shepherds are very beautiful dogs, distinguished from other breeds by their reliable and obedient temper. They are in need of constant and serious physical activity though, and they seem to give preference to long walks and active games.

Originally (as obvious from the name), the dogs were used for grazing sheep. They are great home guards and often participate in programs for the disabled. They are highly used by local authorities such as the police K-9 unit. German shepherds are known to be fearless and confident dogs.

2. RottweilerOrigin: Germany, 1820-iesWeight: 85-110 lbsHeight: 23-27 inchesRottweilers are powerful dogs with strong jaws, primarily meant to protect. The breed was bred especially for that purpose. They often don’t like strangers and other dogs — they are guards at heart, and the dog owner should always remember that.

1. Pit BullOrigin: US, XIX centuryWeight: 55-65 lbsHeight: 18-22 inchesThe pit bull was bred especially for dog fighting and, sad as it is, they’re still used for this purpose today. A pit bull is a fearless dog that will take on any opponent. They will lock their jaws onto the prey until it's dead. Pit bulls have a reputation of mauling people to death.